Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 5) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has included a substance used as a date-rape drug in the dangerous drugs list.
The PDEA said Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a liquid compound used as a solvent, but is sometimes taken as a recreational drug which the body metabolizes into a substance called Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) — a drug category that has a high potential for abuse and which could lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.
According to the PDEA, “In the Philippines, GBL is being used as a “date-rape drug” with stronger doses that can cause sleepiness, confusion, and dizziness, making a person vulnerable to sexual assault.”
In a statement, PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said the inclusion of GBL in the list of dangerous drugs will minimize the importation, exportation manufacture, sale, and use of GBL as other countries.
“This is another leap in our pursuit to regulate the manufacture, sale and illicit use of this substance that may lead to addiction,” he said.
